Martha Dietzen
Martha Jane Drennen Dietzen of Chattanooga, Tennessee, died on March 23, 2016.
Martha was born in Monteagle, Tn., 86 years ago this month and grew up in the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly during the depression, where her father, Joseph E. (Ed) Drennen formerly of Birmingham, worked for a time as manager. Her mother was Bertha Mae Carver, originally of Roma, Ga.
After the depression, the family moved to Chattanooga where she graduated from Chattanooga City High School and University of Chattanooga (UTC) where she was a member of the Alpha Delta Phi Sorority, and received the title of Miss U.C. her Senior Year.
There she met and married in 1952 the love of her life, Charles Richard Dietzen (1925-2008) of South Pittsburg and Chattanooga, a World War II veteran and eventual graduate of Vanderbilt School of Law. They were inseparable and devoted. She loved children, but had only one, Richard Edward (Dick) Dietzen, M.D., of El Dorado, AR.
She gave her time to Brainerd United Methodist Church’s Sunday Friendship Class, to The Chambliss Children’s Shelter, serving for almost 20 years on the board form 1976-1996 and as chairman of the board of directors in 1983. In 1983, she was presented the A to Z women’s service award for outstanding community service. She was president of the Missionary Ridge Garden Club and of the Shepherd Hills Community Club.
She enjoyed painting, antiques, nature, flower gardening, golf, and tennis.
She is survived by her granddaughters, Alarica Dietzen of New Orleans and Christiana Dietzen of Seattle, Washington, whose mother, her former daughter in law, Pia Ágot resides in Camarillo, Ca. and sister-in-law, Wilma Dietzen of Ridgeside; nieces, Kathy Boykin Semmes, Wilma Elizabeth (Beth) Dietzen, Sharon Stausbaugh, and nephews, John William Dietzen, Jr., John Adam Stein, William Robert (Will) Rogers and Walter Nicholas Dietzen III.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and sister, Joanne Rodgers.
The caring and support of friends Minh and Trieu Le, the staff at Alexian, and others is much appreciated.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, April 1, at Brainerd United Methodist Church with Rev. Dennis W. Flaugher officiating. Burial will follow at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share words of comfort to the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to your personal charity or Brainerd United Methodist Church, 4315 Brainerd Rd., Chattanooga, 37411, or Chambliss Center for Children, 315 Gillespie Road., Chattanooga 37411.
The family will receive friends on Friday, April 1, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Friendship Room at Brainerd United Methodist Church.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.